Leonardo Fornaroli Crowned F2 Champion, Joins Elite Group
Leonardo Fornaroli has been crowned F2 champion at the Qatar Grand Prix, making it back-to-back titles after his F3 triumph last year. The Italian driver, unaffiliated with any F1 junior program, joins an elite group including Charles Leclerc and George Russell by winning both championships consecutively. His dominant performance and unassailable points lead secure his place among motorsport's rising stars.
Leonardo Fornaroli has been crowned F2 Drivers' Champion in the feature race at the Qatar Grand Prix, securing back-to-back titles after winning the F3 crown last year. The Italian's triumph puts him in an exclusive club of drivers who have conquered both championships in successive seasons, a testament to his rapid ascent in the motorsport ladder.
Why it matters:
Leonardo Fornaroli's consecutive F3 and F2 championships mark him as a significant talent in junior motorsport. His achievement, without direct affiliation to an F1 junior program, highlights his raw skill and potential, drawing comparisons to F1 stars like Charles Leclerc and George Russell who also achieved this rare feat.
The details:
- Championship Victory: Fornaroli, driving for Invicta Racing, clinched the F2 title at the Lusail International Circuit during the Qatar Grand Prix's feature race.
- Points Advantage: He started from pole position with a 23-point lead over closest rival Jak Crawford. His second-place finish and 18 points, combined with Crawford's 11th-place (pointless) result, extended his lead to an unassailable 41 points heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
- Previous F3 Title: Last year, Fornaroli dramatically won the F3 championship at Monza, securing the title on the final corner of the final round without a single race win in the season.
- F2 Season Performance: This season, the 20-year-old has secured four victories, with his sprint race win at Silverstone being his first since competing in Italian F4 in 2021.
- Unaffiliated Success: Uniquely, Fornaroli achieved these back-to-back championships without being part of an official F1 junior program, setting him apart from many peers who benefit from direct manufacturer support.
- Prestigious Company: By winning F3 and F2 consecutively, Fornaroli emulates the likes of Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto, all of whom have gone on to significant careers or are highly rated within F1.
What's next:
Fornaroli is currently unattached to an F1 junior program, but his impressive resume makes him a prime candidate for future opportunities. He is strongly rumored to be considering a switch to Super Formula for the 2026 season, a challenging series that could further hone his skills against top international talent, including two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanpera. His future trajectory will be closely watched by F1 teams scouting for the next generation of talent.